The Seattle Sounders on Friday announced the hiring of former Rave Green midfielder and Mexican international Gonzalo Pineda as an assistant coach on Brian Schmetzer’s staff. Pineda replaces Ante Razov, who joined new head coach Curt Onalfo’s staff at the LA Galaxy last week.
Pineda, 34, retired last January after 13 professional seasons. He spent the last year on the broadcast team for Univision Deportes, the top Spanish-language sports network in the United States and a broadcasting partner of Major League Soccer.
Pineda spent the final two seasons of his career with the Sounders from 2014-15, scoring four goals and adding nine assists in 56 regular-season matches. He also featured in three postseason matches in 2014.
Before Seattle, Pineda made over 200 appearances in Mexico’s Liga MX from 2002-13, suiting up for Pumas, Chivas Guadalajara, San Luis, Cruz Azul, Puebla and Queretaro.
Pineda earned 44 caps for Mexico from 2004-2008 and was a member of El Tri during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in which he made four appearances and helped Mexico reach the Round of 16.
When he retired, Pineda said he was eager to begin coaching at some point, and now has his opportunity alongside his former assistant coach in Schmetzer.
